HERCULES DJ CONSOLE MK2 V2 VirtualDJ DJC EDITION MIDI CONTROLLER
Hercules, the computer entertainment specialist, revolutionized the world of DJing when it invented the DJ Console (a portable, dual-deck digital mixing controller for PC) two years ago. The DJ Console met with and continues to experience great success among amateur and semi-professional DJs alike. Buoyed by this achievement and by the expertise it has acquired, today Hercules is expanding its offerings in the hip and festive world of digital music with the launch of three unique new products. "The explosion in the popularity of MP3s, laptop computers and high-speed Internet, together with our new line of music products, opens up incredible possibilities for self-expression for everyone," explains Claude Guillemot, CEO of the Guillemot Corporation Group, owner of the Hercules brand name.
DJ Console Mk2: The totally versatile mixing controller.
For advanced DJs and mobile DJs in particular, or for young DJing fans, Hercules has created the DJ Console Mk2, a more professional version of the first DJ Console. Compact and portable, the DJ Console Mk2 is a dual-deck controller for mixing MP3s on a PC, and features integrated audio. When connected to a laptop computer, it can accompany a DJ anywhere. The major innovation of the DJ Console Mk2 is that it multiplies the possibilities for DJs by mastering the art of MP3 mixing while also integrating itself into the analog equipment used by DJs. The unit has been designed so that two vinyl turntables, CD players or MP3 players can be connected to it.
Portable, twin deck DJ mixer with audio customized to play, mix and create DJ music on a PC or a Mac.
All-in-one DJ Controller with audio for complete computer DJ mixing
- Everything you need to host great parties or record DJing performances
- Ideal for mobile DJing. Just plug into your PC laptop via the USB port
- Tactile controls for precision mixing. Much easier than navigating using mouse and keyboard
- 2 line/phono inputs, to mix analogue and digital formats
- Headphone monitoring to cue up the next track. Includes mix and split cue
- Microphone input to with talk over function
- MP3, CD-Audio and more (WMA, WAV ...in PC / AIFF.. in Mac)
- Also play video in window mode (no full screen) (AVI, MPEG)
- Customised version of VirtualDJ 3 DJ Console Edition PC / Mac
1 DJ Console Mk2 + shoulder strap + cover
USB cable (2m long)
1 Installation CD-ROM with VirtualDJ® 3 DJC Edition PC / Mac
Printed installation guide + online manual for the software
PC Minimum Requirements
- 800MHz CPU or higher
- MS Windows® XP / VistaTM 32-bit
- 256MB RAM or higher
- G4/G5 1.2 GHz / Intel 1.5 GHz & more
- 512 MB RAM / Mac OS® 10.4
- BPM = tempo
- Beats Per Minute: this represents the rhythm, the number of audible beats in a piece of music per minute. The greater the number of BPM, the faster the tempo of the music is for dancers. A slow song is often between 70 and 90 BPM, while dance songs average around 120 BPM, and Trance songs can approach 160 BPM. The tempo is the number of BPM.
- Synchronization
- Synchronizing two pieces consists of setting them at the same rhythm (giving them the same number of beats per minute) and adjusting the beats to line up at the same time (by slowing down or stopping the second piece to restart it at the precise moment when the device plays the beat of the first piece).
- Cross fader
- The cross fader is a horizontal slider moved to the right or left, whose position determines the mix between an audio track played on the right deck and an audio track played on the left deck. For example: when the cross fader is completely to the right, we hear 0% of the audio track on the left deck + 100% of the audio track on the right deck = we only hear the sound on the right deck. When the cross fader is completely to the left, we hear 100% of the audio track on the left deck + 0% of the audio track on the right deck = we only hear the sound on the left deck. When the cross fader is in the center, we hear 50% of the left audio track + 50% of the right audio track = we hear the left and right tracks at equal volume.
- DJ
- Abbreviation of Disc Jockey: a person who selects and plays music at a party.
- Equalization / EQ
- Equalization is the adjustment of sound split up into frequency bands, often in the form of bass, medium and treble frequencies. Equalization consists of increasing or decreasing the volume of a frequency range: for example, increasing bass (frequencies from 20Hz to 150Hz) by 12dB and decreasing treble and mediums by -12dB. Equalization helps to make music more danceable: as bass frequencies provide the main rhythm, increasing the bass can make dancing easier. Equalization can also help to mix 2 pieces of music: by cutting the bass from track A to mix it with track B (where the mediums and treble have been cut), a hybrid of the rhythm of track B is superimposed over the melody of track A. A piece’s tonality is affected by the equalization adjustment.
- Transition
- For a DJ, a transition means switching from one piece to another. In general, a DJ tries to synchronize the music on the second deck with the rhythm of the first, and moves the cross fader from the first deck towards the second deck (possibly while modifying EQs at the same time), allowing dancers to continue to dance at the same speed, as if to a single piece of music, without having to skip a beat to switch from one rhythm to another.
- Phono input
- Record players have long had an output level much lower than line level (line level is the output level of most sound playback devices: CD player, MP3 player, TV tuner or radio): this output level for record players, referred to as phono level, requires a specific pre-amplification. The most popular vinyl DJing turntables, such as the mythical Technics SL 1200 MK2, still provide a phono level output, even though many vinyl turntables now output a line level audio signal. A phono connector can be recognized not only because it has "Phono" written above it, but also because of the fact that a grounding cable is added to the stereo phono outputs: as phono level is lower than line level, a grounding cable is required to protect it from electrical disturbances. A phono input is sometimes referred to as an RIAA input. The DJ Console MK2 has two stereo phono inputs.
- Jog wheel
- In DJing, a jog wheel is a wheel simulating the function of a turntable (also called a vinyl deck), and can be used to control playback of a CD, DVD, MP3 player or computer. A jog wheel is used to navigate within a piece, to speed up or slow down to the music or to produce sound effects such as scratching (the sound made by a microgroove record on a turntable when the record is quickly pushed forward or pulled back by hand). The Hercules DJ Console, DJ Control and Mobile DJ all include jog wheels.
- Monitoring
- For a DJ, monitoring consists of listening to another piece of music other than the one being played for the audience: normally, a DJ listens to the next piece of music to be played.
New and Old School Mix Together - By Jammin’ Jim Kerins
Hercules DJ Console MK2 and Atomix Virtual DJ further develop the hardware-software mixing connection
A few years ago I reviewed the original Hercules DJ console, and at that point it was targeted more towards beginning and casual DJs than working professionals. Although it wasn't rack-mountable and still isn't, it has many professional features, and a great quality internal sound card. Until now it just wasn't a serious contender for the working DJ, but with the introduction of the MK2's feature pack and full-speed USB performance, we may just see more of these out on the job.
At first glance, the MK2's tabletop design is remarkably similar to the original console. However, upon closer examination the controls have a better feel and the jog wheels are smoother and raised higher, so as to not to interfere with other functions. The ability for you to now select your headphone monitoring preferences from either deck, and to mix or split the monitor brings the unit into a more professional arena. A wider range and variety of input and output jacks specifically geared for DJing are also great improvements. And certainly the greatest additional feature now available on the MK2 is the ability to connect two analog turntables to the unit. If that weren't enough, with an available time-coded vinyl disc (album), you can scratch, adjust pitch and move the needle and all your digital files will react to your analog turntables input in real time.
The package comes with the console and software suite, which includes a copy of Virtual DJ. With the usual registration and software loading process we are ready to make music. For the test I connected an MP3 player and a CD player to augment mixing the internal MP3 files. With Virtual DJ open and the controller interfaced via the USB port I was ready to roll. Having used previous versions of this software, I was familiar with its layout, and I am now impressed with its recent upgrades. Navigating to your files is quick and easy and the windows are configurable to your personal tastes. Creating and saving play lists, along with file search and organization, are all quite intuitive. The default skin has a clean, easy-to-figure-out look, featuring virtual turntables that respond accurately to the controller’s shuttle wheels and external turntable input. Many additional skins are available for download from Hercules.
With song files loaded many digital options are available to you, from setting up and saving multiple cue points per track, to auto-mixing entire song lists with dozens of tweakable parameters. The remix tab reveals lots of ways to spice up a track by easy access to looping functions, utilizing included samples, or loading your own samples for instant custom sound effects. Three sound effects buttons can be programmed to deliver effects such as flanger, back spin, adjustable EQ effects, and more. Once you have effected, re-mixed and injected high-tech sound effects in to your audio creation, all of this hard work can be easily recorded and saved in real time to your hard drive. After using Virtual DJ for a few nights, I was impressed with its ease of use and stable drivers. While playing digital tracks, all pertinent information is always available, such as track length, ending time countdown, real-time wave file view, and many software adjustments that will allow you to dial in the system's performance to your exacting requirements. Additionally, with plug-ins Virtual DJ can be used as a karaoke machine, and also to play many different formats of video files.
Obviously the key to interfacing with the software is a great controller, and at this price point the MK2 does an admirable job of executing assigned tasks. Improving upon the previous controller, the MK2 responds nearly instantaneously, and the quick-acting soft touch controls inspire confidence that you could certainly come to rely on and enjoy using. Sure it has bells and whistles, but the fundamentals are what you need to work well. For example, the selectable headphone controls and loud headphone volume output satisfy my requirements. All the buttons and dials quickly execute assigned tasks and the box easily jumps between mixing digital files and external analog and digital sources. Although there is no XLR connector for the microphone, the quarter-inch mic input with adjustable volume control is adequate. Audio outputs include an assortment of assignable quarter and 1/8 inch jacks, but certainly you would need an adapter or two to drive a professional amplifier. Overall, with its great combination of knobs and buttons for features you need to adjust instantly and often—like EQ, pitch control, cue , track, and others—the MK2’s well laid out design permits you to adjust and accomplish most tasks without the use of the pesky mouse. In terms of sound quality, the 24-bit processing and low noise level make this a high-quality audio product.
Turning the Tables The most impressive feature on this unit is its ability to allow the connection of two turntables that can manipulate digital media in a very analog fashion. When turntables were designed, I'm sure they had no idea this would be a possibility, and it is really cool. To make this feature work you simply connect your turntable to the MK2's phono input. Load the specially pressed vinyl album onto your turntable, and then navigate and run through the software's time-coded vinyl configurator. Now you’re ready to mix old school with new school. The crazy thing is how well this works: you simply drag an MP3 file onto the virtual player, then turn on your turntable. Anything that you would normally do to affect an analog album is instantly transmitted and effects the MP3 file. From braking to scratching, pitch adjustment, it all works amazingly well. This is certainly going to impress everyone at the gig. You can even pick up the needle move it over on the record, and the virtual album will respond accordingly, so very impressive. This feature alone is worth the cost of admission.
Where the original Hercules console was more for home DJs, the MK2 bridges the gap and will find its way into many professional DJs’ arsenals. With its solid reliability, great audio quality, feature packed software package, and affordable price I will certainly be using this box alone and in conjunction with my regular set up in the future.
| Hercules DJ Console MK2 | Hercules DJ Control MP3 | |
| Interface | USB | USB |
| Portable | Yes Cover & shoulder strap included |
Yes Shoulder strap included |
| New casing | Yes | No |
| Power supply | USB bus powered & optional power adaptor |
USB bus powered |
| Control Mode | DirectInput & MIDI | DirectInput & MIDI |
| Software supported | VirtualDJ, MixVibes, Traktor, DJDecks, Deejaysystem Audio Mk-II & Video VJ-II | VirtualDJ, MixVibes, Traktor, DJDecks, Deejaysystem Audio Mk-II & Video VJ-II |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| Software & Drivers | ||
| Software bundle | VirtualDJ 3 DJC | VirtualDJ 3 DJC |
| Control Mode | DirectInput & MIDI | DirectInput & MIDI |
| Timecode vinyl option | Yes | No |
| Play mix on internet radio | Yes | Yes |
| Mix music files from Napster | Yes | Yes |
| Mix video files | Yes (video in a window) | Yes (video in a window) |
| Mix Karaoke files | Yes | Yes |
| Scratch on jog wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Access to additional effects (online) | Yes | Yes |
| Gain and equalization on external audio sources | Yes | No |
| Separate decks outputs to mix on an external mixer | Yes | No |
| Mix MP3, WAV, WMA files | Yes | Yes |
| Add VST plug-ins | Optional | No |
| Burn mix on CDs | Yes | Yes |
| Control functions | ||
| 43 knobs, sliders, wheels, buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Jog wheels (Higher wheels reduce the risk to hit the cross fader) | 12 mm height 65mm diameter |
7 mm height 65mm diameter |
| Faders | 2 volume faders 1 cross fader |
2 volume faders 1 cross fader |
| Fader button (Shorter buttons reduce the risk to hit a fader) | 8mm height | 8mm height |
| Key to monitor external audio source | 2 | 0 |
| Audio functions | ||
| Sound card | Integrated | No sound card |
| Inputs | 2 stereo inputs 1 microphone input |
No |
| Optical, Coaxial, Midi | Yes | No |
| Stereo input(s) | 2 x 2 RCA | No |
| Phono preamp | Yes, 2 preamps, with an activation switch | No |
| Input monitoring (for MP3 players, CD player, turntables) | Yes, on both inputs | No |
| Microphone input | 1 microphone input | No |
| Talkover on microphone input | Yes | No |
| Mic impedance | Up to 600 Ohms | No |
| Outputs | 2 stereo outputs 1 headphone output |
No |
| Line outputs level | Professional Line level +4dBu | No |
| Headphones settings | 4 options: Deck A, Deck B, Mix; Split | No |
| Optical, Coaxial, Midi | Yes | No |
| Headphones impedance | Up to 600 Ohms | |
| Headphones monitoring | Yes | With multi-channel sound cards |
This is a non-returnable item. DVD's, Sound Expansion Boards, Sound Cards, Audio Interfaces and Software (which includes hardware bundled with software) cannot be returned once opened due to copyright law.
RELATED ITEMS |
